futility

noun

fu·​til·​i·​ty fyü-ˈti-lə-tē 

plural futilities

1

: the quality or state of being futile : uselessness

His speech focused on the futility of violence.

Trying to find the cause is an exercise in futility.

2

: a useless act or gesture

… the futilities of debate for its own sake …

—W. A. White

Examples of futility in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Cubs are stuck in a maddening loop of offensive futility. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026

During years of futility, fans have wept collectively both figuratively and literally. —Shaheem Reid, Variety, 16 June 2026

Yes, those same White Sox that lost 324 games over the last three years, including a record 121 in 2024 that surpassed the modern era futility of the ’62 Mets, are suddenly and most unexpectedly looking like legitimate candidates for the postseason. —Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026

The New York Knicks are going to the NBA Finals with a chance to erase a long run of postseason futility. —Bob Harkins, New York Times, 28 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French and Latin; French futilité, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin fūtilitāt-, fūtilitās (also futtilitāt-, futtilitās) "unprofitableness, uselessness," from fūtilis, futtilis "brittle, fragile (of containers), serving no purpose, pointless" + -itāt- -itās -ity — more at futile

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing futility

• exercise in futility

Rhymes for futility

• ability
• agility
• civility
• debility
• docility
• ductility
• facility
• fertility
• fragility
• gentility
• hostility
• humility

Kids Definition

futility

noun

fu·​til·​i·​ty ˌfyu̇-ˈtil-ət-ē 

plural futilities

1

: the quality or state of being futile

2

: a useless act